Plantains are basically a tougher cousin of the banana. They aren't as sweet and must be cooked. They can't be eaten raw. You can slice them, which is always good or mash them for mofongo, a garlic infused side dish.
Unlike bananas, which are bought when they're green or yellow, plantains should be bought when they're almost completely black or over ripe. The skins or peels are thicker than bananas' and must be cut or torn off.
It's then slicing them into medium thick coins or slices . They're a bit slimier than their cousins so be prepared for an icky feeling.
For air frying, use a good cooking spray. I used Stop & Shop's brand.
I then sprayed the slices along with the air fryer's basket. The recipe I used called for 350' degrees F. but after five minutes, they were not done. I upped the temp to 400 and cooked them for another seven minutes.. This is the result.
I added some sea salt afterwards. You could also toss the plantain slices in a mix of olive oil and sea salt first and then air fry.
They were a great side with the vegan chicken patty. The flavor was sweet and salty, the last thanks to the sea salt. The texture was a bit tough on the outside and mushy on the inside, but still tasty.I'm definitely making these again. and trying the oil and salt method for a crisper slice.
Plantains are simple dish to make, Air fry a batch to accompany dinner or for a different but flavorful snack. They're a quick, easy make that everyone will like.
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